Kawana Aquatic Centre renovations

Renovations to the Kawana Aquatic Centre mean the Sunshine Coast is one step closer to achieving the vision set out in council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy 2017.

Population growth and changing needs are increasing the pressure on existing facilities and creating a demand for new facilities in emerging communities. Careful planning is needed to balance investment between operational needs of the existing network and the needs of emerging communities. The Kawana Aquatic Centre attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year and is a highly valued swimming facility for our region.

As part of a multi-year project to provide the Kawana Aquatic Centre with over $14 million of upgrades, completed Stage 1 improvements include a 20 metre 5 lane indoor heated pool, new tiles and lane markings for the 50-metre pool, and new filtration and plant equipment. Stage 1 also saw the installation of a roof-mounted, solar system for power generation. Stage 2 (currently underway) will deliver a new building, amenities, kiosk, and additional car parking.

The renovations to the Kawana Aquatic Centre improve the current network of social infrastructure, encourage community participation and underpin liveability.

The upgrade is part of the social infrastructure network being planned through council's Environment and Liveability Strategy, which ensures equitable access to a range of experiences to encourage active and healthy lifestyles and supports community wellbeing. By strategically providing and upgrading facilities, guided by the Strategy, council is securing and activating space for future generations, and encouraging active recreation opportunities.

This regional level strategy sets a vision for where we would like to be in 2041 and provides guidance for council and the community to achieve this vision. The strategy focuses on the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment and the liveability of the region, enabling a good quality of life for all residents and supporting a strong economy in an accessible and well-connected built environment.

The renovations to the centre mark the next step in delivering the ELS Transformational Action of 'Great places and spaces' whereby in partnership with industry and community, council develops a network of contemporary places and spaces that provide and support opportunities for creative, community and active experiences, maintaining a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coast in 2041 for future generations.